M'SIA: FUEL PRICES MAY COME DOWN, SAYS MINISTER

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 4 (Bernama) -- Fuel prices may be lowered further before Hari Raya Puasa, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Shahrir Samad said Wednesday.

Sharir said the good news as hoped for by the people would be in line with
the downward trend of global fuel prices.

"I am glad to see world fuel prices go down, eventhough there will be
effects felt after Hurricane Gustav (on the United States' Gulf Coast), the
politics in Europe and the like.

"Looks like fuel prices are stable and I hope they continue to be so and
come down a little so we can celebrate Hari Raya happier," Shahrir said after
the launch of Bernama Web TV by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi
at the Prime Minister's Office here Wednesday.

On Aug 23, the price of premium unleaded petrol (RON97) was reduced by 15
sen from RM2.70 per litre previously to RM2.55 per litre while unleaded petrol
(RON92) was reduced by 22 sen from RM2.62 per litre previously to RM2.40 per
litre.

Diesel price was reduced by eight sen from RM2.58 to RM2.50 per
litre.

Shahrir was commenting on the current global price of fuel that was
now
US$109 (RM368.42) a barrel compared to US$115 (RM388.70) a barrel two weeks ago.

Shahrir said fuel prices locally were reduced on Aug 23 taking into account
the rise in the price index and the approaching Merdeka Day then.

"Hari Raya is also at the end of the month and we hope there will good
news," he said.

On Bernama Web TV, Shahrir said the service will benefit those who want to
keep abreast of current events wherever they have Internet access.

He said the service would also assist the government to put out news and
messages accurately and fast by using the technology available.

"This means Bernama news can be got anywhere in the world through the
Internet and Bernama news will be of international standard," he said.